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Head of the Leo Telecom company Anton Novikov was accused of embezzling 26 million rubles ($387.600) from the Center for Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Operation (TsENKI). His company performed a contract at the Vostochny cosmodrome in 2017. Novikov was detained. This was reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the Blagoveshchensk City Court.

Anton Novikov is accused under Article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Swindling). According to the court, the head of Leo Telecom, taking advantage of his official position, seized the funds belonging to TsENKI in the amount of 25.87 million rubles. If proven, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

Novikov was detained during his attempt to escape. “Novikov was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport while trying to leave for the Republic of Vietnam. The evidence confirming Novikov's arguments that he bought a return ticket to Russia for January 2019 was not provided to the court,” the court said.

According to the investigation, Novikov can put pressure on his former colleagues and influence the course of the study of the case. That is why the investigation asked the court to detain the ex-CEO of Leo Telecom JSC until February 28, 2019.